George K. Merritt passed away the morning of January 2, 2014 at his home in Centerville of natural causes. He was born October 7, 1936 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Ozro Harold and Clarissa Kennington Merritt. He grew up in Afton, Wyoming, served a two-year mission in the Southern States, and attended Utah State University in Logan where he graduated in 1961 with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. It was at USU where he met his sweetheart, Winifred Purcell. They were married in the Logan LDS Temple September 24, 1958.

George served in the Army for two yeas, then moved to Bountiful in December 1965 and began working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was part of the group that developed programs that put temple names, membership, and tithing records on the computer. He was secretary to the Presiding Bishopric for several years, but most of his 33 years of Church employment was spent in the international program. He was Director of Temporal Affairs and Physical Facilities in Hawaii where they lived for two years, in England for nearly four years, and Carmel, Indiana for three and one-half years. He was a very successful and effective manager of people and was loved by those who worked under his direction. He traveled the world making friends wherever he went. George had a very strong testimony and devotion to the Church and great faith. He served in many callings throughout his life including as Bishop, a counselor in three bishoprics, a counselor in a stake presidency, as High Priests Group Leader, ward clerk, and faithful home teacher. He loved serving the Lord and will be greatly missed. A fulfilling life of great accomplishments and kindness towards all were only a part of his sterling character. The world has lost a great man and heaven has gained one.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Clarice, and granddaughter Haley Merritt. He is survived by his wife, brothers, Harold (Nancy) and Von (Saundra); children: Lane, Linda (Reese) Howell, and Ann (Rick) Sweet; grandchildren: Megan, Madison, and Daks (Kristin) Hodges, and Joshua Egginton, Maxwell (Colbie) Merritt, and Kelsi Parker; and two great-granddaughters.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at the Canyon View Stake Center, 2110 N. Main, Centerville. Friends may call Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main and Tuesday morning 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Centerville City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to the Church’s Perpetual Education Fund or a charity of your choice.